Communication devices incorporating reduced area imaging devices

ABSTRACT

A reduced area imaging device is provided for use with a communication device, such as a wireless/cellular phone. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining image processing circuitry. In a second configuration, all of the image processing circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion near the same location. In the first configuration, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal end of a camera module. In a second configuration, the image sensor is remote from the remaining image processing circuitry wherein available space within the phone is used to house the remaining circuitry. In any of the configurations, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor. One or more video processing boards can be stacked in a longitudinal fashion with respect to the first board, or the video processing boards may be placed within the housing of the communication device. The communication device includes a miniature LCD-type monitor which is capable of viewing not only the images taken by the camera module, but also can show incoming video images. The camera module is of such small size that it can be easily stored within the housing of the communication device. In a first embodiment, the camera module communicates with the housing of the communication device by a wired connection. In a second embodiment, the camera module communicates wirelessly with the video telephone. In either embodiment, the camera module may be pointed at any desired object within sight of the user, and without having to actually point or move the phone housing in order to take an image. In the wireless embodiment, a user has total freedom to manipulate the positioning of the camera module without adjusting the position of the video telephone since there is not even a cable to contend with. Any acceptable wireless standard may be used for communication between the camera module and the video telephone. One particularly advantageous standard includes Bluetooth.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/613,027 filed on Jul. 10, 2000 entitled“Communication Devices Incorporating Reduced Area Imaging Devices”,which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/496,312, filed Feb. 1, 2000, and entitled “Reduced Area ImagingDevices”, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/175,685, filed Oct. 20, 1998 and entitled “Reduced AreaImaging Devices”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,839, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/944,322,filed Oct. 6, 1997 and entitled “Reduced Area Imaging DevicesIncorporated Within Surgical Instruments”, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,901.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to solid state image sensors andassociated electronics, and more particularly, to solid state imagesensors which are configured to be of a minimum size and used withincommunication devices specifically including video telephones.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The three most common solid state image sensors include chargedcoupled devices (CCD), charge injection devices (CID) and photo diodearrays (PDA). In the mid-1980s, complementary metal oxide semiconductors(CMOS) were developed for industrial use. CMOS imaging devices offerimproved functionality and simplified system interfacing. Furthermore,many CMOS imagers can be manufactured at a fraction of the cost of othersolid state imaging technologies.

[0004] The CCD device is still the preferred type of imager used inscientific applications. Only recently have CMOS-type devices beenimproved such that the quality of imaging compares to that of CCDdevices. However, there are enormous drawbacks with CCD devices. Twomajor drawbacks are that CCD device have immense power requirements, andthe amount of processing circuitry required for a CCD imager alwaysrequires the use of a remote processing circuitry module which canprocess the image signal produced by the CCD imager. Also, because ofthe type of chip architecture used with CCD devices, on-chip processingis impossible. Therefore, even timing and control circuitry must beremoted from the CCD imager plane. Therefore, CCD technology is theantithesis of “camera on a chip” technology discussed below.

[0005] One particular advance in CMOS technology has been in the activepixel-type CMOS imagers which consist of randomly accessible pixels withan amplifier at each pixel site. One advantage of active pixel-typeimagers is that the amplifier placement results in lower noise levels.Another major advantage is that these CMOS imagers can be mass producedon standard semiconductor production lines. One particularly notableadvance in the area of CMOS imagers including active pixel-type arraysis the CMOS imager described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,515 to Fossum, etal. This CMOS imager can incorporate a number of other differentelectronic controls that are usually found on multiple circuit boards ofmuch larger size. For example, timing circuits, and special functionssuch as zoom and anti-jitter controls can be placed on the same circuitboard containing the CMOS pixel array without significantly increasingthe overall size of the host circuit board. Furthermore, this particularCMOS imager requires 100 times less power than a CCD-type imager. Inshort, the CMOS imager disclosed in Fossum, et al. has enabled thedevelopment of a “camera on a chip.”

[0006] Passive pixel-type CMOS imagers have also been improved so thatthey too can be used in an imaging device which qualifies as a “cameraon a chip.” In short, the major difference between passive and activeCMOS pixel arrays is that a passive pixel-type imager does not performsignal amplification at each pixel site. One example of a manufacturerwhich has developed a passive pixel array with performance nearly equalto known active pixel devices and being compatible with the read outcircuitry disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,515 is VLSI Vision, Ltd.,1190 Saratoga Avenue, Suite 180, San Jose, Calif. 95129. A furtherdescription of this passive pixel device may be found in applicant'spatent entitled “Reduced Area Imaging Devices Incorporated WithinSurgical Instruments,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,693, and is herebyincorporated by reference.

[0007] In addition to the active pixel-type CMOS imager which isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,515, there have been developments inthe industry for other solid state imagers which have resulted in theability to have a “camera on a chip.” For example, Suni Microsystems,Inc. of Mountain View, Calif., has developed a CCD/CMOS hybrid whichcombines the high quality image processing of CCDs with standard CMOScircuitry construction. In short, Suni Microsystems, Inc. has modifiedthe standard CMOS and CCD manufacturing processes to create a hybridprocess providing CCD components with their own substrate which isseparate from the P well and N well substrates used by the CMOScomponents. Accordingly, the CCD and CMOS components of the hybrid mayreside on different regions of the same chip or wafer. Additionally,this hybrid is able to run on a low power source (5 volts) which isnormally not possible on standard CCD imagers which require 10 to 30volt power supplies. A brief explanation of this CCD/CMOS hybrid can befound in the article entitled “Startup Suni Bets on Integrated Process”found in Electronic News, Jan. 20, 1997 issue. This reference is herebyincorporated by reference for purposes of explaining this particulartype of imaging processor.

[0008] Another example of a recent development in solid state imaging isthe development of a CMOS imaging sensor which is able to achieve analogto digital conversion on each of the pixels within the pixel array. Thistype of improved CMOS imager includes transistors at every pixel toprovide digital instead of analog output that enable the delivery ofdecoders and sense amplifiers much like standard memory chips. With thisnew technology, it may, therefore, be possible to manufacture a truedigital “camera on a chip.” This CMOS imager has been developed by aStanford University joint project and is headed by Professor Abbasel-Gamal.

[0009] A second approach to creating a CMOS-based digital imaging deviceincludes the use of an over-sample converter at each pixel with a onebit comparator placed at the edge of the pixel array instead ofperforming all of the analog to digital functions on the pixel. This newdesign technology has been called MOSAD (multiplexed over sample analogto digital) conversion. The result of this new process is low powerusage, along with the capability to achieve enhanced dynamic range,possibly up to 20 bits. This process has been developed by AmainElectronics of Simi Valley, Calif. A brief description of both of theprocesses developed by Stanford University and Amain Electronics can befound in an article entitled “A/D Conversion Revolution for CMOSSensor?,” September 1998 issue of Advanced Imaging. This reference isalso hereby incorporated by reference for purposes of explaining theseparticular types of imaging processors.

[0010] Yet another example of a recent development with respect to solidstate imaging is an imaging device developed by ShellCase, of Jerusalem,Israel. In an article entitled “A CSP Optoelectronic Package for Imagingand Light Detection Applications” (A . Badihi), ShellCase introduces adie-sized, ultrathin optoelectronic package which is completely packagedat the wafer level using semiconductor processing. In short, ShellCaseprovides a chip scale package (CSP) process for accepting digital imagesensors which may be used, for example, in miniature cameras. Thedie-sized, ultrathin package is produced through a wafer level processwhich utilizes optically clear materials and completely encases theimager die. This packaging method, ideally suited for optoelectronicdevices, results in superior optical performance and form factor notavailable by traditional image sensors. This reference is alsoincorporated by reference for purposes of explaining ShellCase's chipscale package process.

[0011] Yet another example of a recent development with respect to solidstate imaging is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,581 entitled “Solid StateCMOS Imager Using Silicon on Insulator or Bulk Silicon.” This patentdiscloses an image sensor incorporating a plurality of detector cellsarranged in an array wherein each detector cell as a MOSFET with afloating body and operable as a lateral bipolar transistor to amplifycharge collected by the floating body. This reference overcomes problemsof insufficient charge being collected in detector cells formed onsilicon on insulator (SOI) substrates due to silicon thickness and willalso work in bulk silicon embodiments.

[0012] The above-mentioned developments in solid state imagingtechnology have shown that “camera on a chip” devices will continue tobe enhanced not only in terms of the quality of imaging which may beachieved, but also in the specific construction of the devices which maybe manufactured by new breakthrough processes.

[0013] Although the “camera on a chip” concept is one which has greatmerit for application in many industrial areas, a need still exists fora reduced area imaging device which can be used in even the smallesttype of industrial application. Recently, there have been developmentswith providing camera capabilities for wireless/cellular phones. Two-waystill image video phones are making appearances on the market now.Additionally, there has been information regarding various worldwidemanufacturers who are soon to come out with fully functional two-wayvideo in combination with wireless/cellular phones. Because it isdesirable to have a wireless/cellular phone of minimum size and weight,it is also desirable to have supporting imaging circuitry which is alsoof minimum size and weight. Accordingly, the invention described hereinis ideal for use with upcoming video phone technology.

[0014] It is one object of this invention to provide a reduced areaimaging device incorporated within a communication device which takesadvantage of “camera on a chip” technology, but rearrange the circuitryin a selective stacked relationship so that there is a minimum profilepresented when used within a communication device.

[0015] It is yet another object of this invention to provide imagingcapability for a communication device wherein the camera used is of suchsmall size that it can be attached to the communication device by aretractable cord which enables the imaging device to be used to imageanything to which the camera is pointed at by the user without having tomove the communication device away from the mouth when speaking.

[0016] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a camerawith a communication device wherein the camera communicates with thecommunications device by a wireless link such as an RF radio link sothat the camera does not have to be physically connected to thecommunications device. This wireless connection further enhances thecapability to use the camera to shoot video without having to move thecommunication device or otherwise manipulate the communication device ina manner which detracts from shooting the video.

[0017] In all applications, to include use of the imaging device of thisinvention with a communication device, “camera on a chip” technology canbe improved with respect to reducing its profile area, and incorporatingsuch a reduced area imaging device within a communication device suchthat minimal size and weight is added to the communication device, andfurther that the imaging device can be used to image selected targets bythe user.

[0018] Disclosure of the Invention

[0019] In accordance with the present invention, reduced area imagingdevices are provided in combination with a communication device such asa wireless/cellular phone. The term “imaging device” as used hereindescribes the imaging elements and processing circuitry which is used toproduce a video signal which may be accepted by both a standard videodevice such as a television or video monitor accompanying a personalcomputer, and a small LCD screen which is incorporated within the videophone. The term “image sensor” as used herein describes the componentsof a solid state imaging device which captures images and stores themwithin the structure of each of the pixels in the array of pixels foundin the imaging device. As further discussed below, the timing andcontrol circuits can be placed either on the same planar structure asthe pixel array, in which case the image sensor can also be defined asan integrated circuit, or the timing and control circuitry can be placedremote from the pixel array. The terms “video signal” or “image signal”as used herein, and unless otherwise more specifically defined, refer toan image which at some point during its processing by the imagingdevice, is found in the form of electrons which have been placed in aspecific format or domain. The term “processing circuitry” as usedherein refers to the electronic components within the imaging devicewhich receive the image signal from the image sensor and ultimatelyplace the image signal in a usable format. The terms “timing and controlcircuits” or “timing and control circuitry” as used herein refer to theelectronic components which control the release of the image signal fromthe pixel array.

[0020] In a first embodiment of the communication device, the imagingdevice connects to the communication device by a cable or cord which mayretract within the housing of the communication device. Thus in thisembodiment, the camera is tethered to the communication device. In asecond embodiment, the imaging device does not have to be physicallyconnected to the imaging device; rather, a wireless RF link or otheracceptable wireless technology is used so that video signals produced bythe imaging device may be transmitted to and received by thecommunications device. One particularly advantageous wireless technologyusable with the communications device of this invention is known as“Bluetooth”. Another recent wireless technology which is usable with theinvention is a wireless protocol known as “IEEE 802.15.3”. This wirelessstandard is developing under the joint efforts of Kodak, Motorola, Ciscoand the International Electronic and Electrical Engineers StandardsAssociation (IEEE) Wireless Personal Area Network Working Group (WPAN).Bluetooth technology provides a universal radio interface in the 2.4 GHzfrequency band that enables portable electronic devices to connect andcommunicate wirelessly via short-range ad hoc networks. Bluetooth radiosoperate in an unlicensed Instrumentation, Scientific, Medical (ISM) bandat 2.4 GHz. Bluetooth is a combination of circuit and packet switching.Slots can be reserved for synchronous packets. Each packet istransmitted in a different hop frequency. A packet nominally covers asingle slot, but can be extended to cover up to five slots. Bluetoothcan support an asynchronous data channel, up to three simultaneoussynchronous voice channels, or a channel that simultaneously supportsasynchronous data and synchronous voice. Spectrum spreading is used tofacilitate optional operation at power levels up to 100 mW worldwide.Spectrum spreading is accomplished by frequency hopping in 79 hopsdisplaced by 1 MHZ, staring at 2.402 GHz and stopping at 2.480 GHz. themaximum frequency-hopping rate is 1600 hops per second. The nominal linkrange is 10 centimeters to 10 meters, but can be extended to more than100 meters by increasing the transmit power. A shaped, binary FMmodulation is applied to minimize transceiver complexity. The gross datarate is 1 Mb/second. A time division duplex scheme is used forfull-duplex transmission. Additional technical information describingthe Bluetooth global specification is found on the world wide web atwww.bluetooth.com. Additional information regarding the technicalspecification for the IEEE 802.15.3 standard may be found at http://www.ieee802.org/15, under the link for Task Force Three (TG3).

[0021] In a first arrangement of the imaging device, the image sensor,with or without the timing and control circuitry, may be placed at thedistal tip of a very small video camera module which is attached by acable or cord to the communication device, or the camera modulecommunicates with the communication device by a wireless RF link whilethe remaining processing circuitry may be placed within the housing ofthe communication device.

[0022] In a second arrangement of the imaging device, the image sensorand the processing circuitry may all be placed in a stacked arrangementof miniature circuit boards and positioned at the distal tip of thevideo camera module. In this second arrangement, the pixel array of theimage sensor may be placed by itself on its own circuit board while thetiming and control circuitry and processing circuitry are placed on oneor more other circuit boards, or the circuitry for timing and controlmay be placed with the pixel array on one circuit board, while theremaining processing circuitry can be placed on one or more of the othercircuit boards.

[0023] In yet another alternative arrangement of the imaging device, thepixel array, timing and control circuits, and some of the processingcircuitry can be placed near the distal end of the video camera modulewith the remaining part of the processing circuitry being placed in thehousing of the communication device.

[0024] For the arrangement or configuration of the imaging device whichcalls for the array of pixels and the timing and control circuitry to beplaced on the same circuit board, only one conductor is required inorder to transmit the image signal to the video processing circuitry.When the timing and control circuits are incorporated onto other circuitboards, a plurality of connections are required in order to connect thetiming and control circuitry to the pixel array, and then the oneconductor is also required to transmit the image signal to the videoprocessing circuitry.

[0025] The invention disclosed herein can also be considered animprovement to a cellular/wireless phone wherein the improvementcomprises a video system. The video system would include the videomonitor attached to the phone, the camera module, the imaging devicewithin the camera module, as well as supporting video processingcircuitry for the imaging device. In yet another aspect, the inventiondisclosed herein can also be considered an improvement to a videotelephone wherein the improvement comprises a novel imaging device,preferably of CMOS construction. For this improvement comprising theimaging device, the imaging device includes the array of pixels, and thesupporting video processing circuitry for providing a video readysignal. In yet another aspect, the invention disclosed herein can alsobe considered an improvement to a video telephone wherein theimprovement comprises an imaging device which utilizes a wirelessstandard in order to transmit video images to the video telephone.

[0026] The video ready signal produced by the video processing circuitrymay be of differing video formats for viewing on different types ofvideo devices. For example, the video ready signal may be a NTSC/PALcompatible video signal for viewing on a remote video device such as aTV; the video signal may be a YUV 4:2:2 signal for viewing on a videomonitor attached to the phone; and/or the video signal may be VGAcompatible for viewing on a personal computer. Accordingly, theinvention disclosed herein has utility with respect to an overallcombination of elements, as well as various sub-combination of elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary partially exploded perspectiveview of the distal end of the camera module which is used in conjunctionwith the communication device, specifically illustrating the arrangementof the image sensor with respect to the other elements of the cameramodule;

[0028]FIG. 1a is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustratinganother configuration of the image sensor wherein video processingcircuitry is placed behind and in longitudinal alignment with the imagesensor;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the communication device in afirst embodiment incorporating the reduced area imaging device of thisinvention, and further illustrating the video monitor in operation,along with the camera module pulled out in the extended position;

[0030]FIG. 3 illustrates the communication device of FIG. 2 wherein thecamera module is in the retracted position, along with the video monitorin the folded or retracted position;

[0031]FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the communication device ofthis invention in the first embodiment illustrating an alternativearrangement for placement of the video monitor within a flip panel;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the communication device of FIG. 4illustrating the alternative arrangement of the video monitor with thevideo monitor stored within the folded flip panel;

[0033]FIG. 6 is an overall schematic diagram of the functionalelectronic components in the first embodiment which make up both thecommunication device, and the reduced area imaging device;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the communication device in asecond embodiment wherein the camera module utilizes a wirelesstechnology, thus the camera module may be physically separated from thecommunication device during operation, but can still be housed withinthe communication device for storage and for recharge of the battery ofthe camera module;

[0035]FIG. 8 is an overall schematic diagram, similar to FIG. 6, of thefunctional components which make up the communication device and asimplified cross sectional view of the camera module in the secondpreferred embodiment wherein the camera module communicates with thecommunication device via a wireless link;

[0036]FIG. 8a is an enlarged view of some of the components of thecamera module, specifically, the components used in the wireless linkwith the communication device;

[0037]FIG. 9 is a more detailed schematic diagram of the functionalelectronic components which make up the imaging device;

[0038]FIG. 9a is an enlarged schematic diagram of a circuit board/planarstructure which may include the array of pixels and the timing andcontrol circuitry;

[0039]FIG. 9b is an enlarged schematic diagram of a video processingboard/planar structure having placed thereon the processing circuitrywhich processes the pre-video signal generated by the array of pixelsand which converts the pre-video signal to a post-video signal which maybe accepted by an NTSC/PAL compatible video device; and

[0040]FIGS. 10a-10 e are schematic diagrams that illustrate an exampleof specific circuitry which may be used to make the video processingcircuitry of the imaging device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0041] In accordance with the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a cameramodule 10 is provided which incorporates a reduced area imaging device11. As further discussed below, the elements of the imaging device 11may all be found near one location, or the elements may be separatedfrom one another and interconnected by the appropriate wiredconnections. The array of pixels making up the image sensor capturesimages and stores them in the form of electrical energy by conversion oflight photons to electrons. This conversion takes place by the photodiodes in each pixel which communicate with one or more capacitors whichstore the electrons. Specifically, the camera module 10 includes anouter tube/sheath 14 which houses the components of the imaging device.The camera module is shown as being cylindrical in shape having a window16 sealed at the distal end of the camera module. A retractable cable 12extends from the proximal end of the camera module 10. A shielded cable21 is used to house the conductors which communicate with the imagingdevice 11. The shielded cable 21 is then housed within the retractablecable 12. A lens group 18 is positioned at the distal end of the cameramodule to enable an image to be appropriately conditioned prior to theimage impinging upon the imaging device 11. Also shown is a focusingring 20 which enables the lens group 18 to be displaced distally orproximally to best focus an image on the imaging device 11.

[0042] Now referring to FIGS. 2-5, a video phone 22 in a firstembodiment is shown which incorporates the camera module 10. In basicterms, the video phone is simply a standard wireless/cellular phonewhich has added thereto the ability to send and receive video signalswhich may both be viewed on video monitor 30. Beginning first with adescription of the basic components of the video phone, it includes aphone housing 24 which holds the components of the video phone. Cable 12is housed within the housing 24 when in the retracted position. A springbiased spool (not shown) or some other known retracting device ismounted within the housing 24 enabling the cable 12 to be extended orretracted. When the cable is retracted, the camera module 10 can bestored within cavity or opening 25 at the base of housing 24. Thiscavity or opening 25 can substantially conform to the size and shape ofthe camera module 10. The camera module 10 is illustrated as beingelongate and cylindrical, minimizing its size and profile, and enhancingits ability to be stored within opening 25. As shown in FIG. 3, when thecamera module 10 is stored, it does not increase the overall size of thevideo telephone 22, and does not protrude away from the phone housing24, thus making the camera module 10 a component which truly integrateswith the housing 24 of the video phone 22. The cable 12 is of a selectedlength which allows the user to point the camera module 10 toward atargeted object to taking video. A keypad 26 is provided enabling a userto dial the phone, or achieve other well-known telephone functions. Anaudio receiving assembly 27 in the conventional manner is provided whichallows the user to listen to incoming audio. This assembly may later bereferred to simply as a speaker. An orifice or hole 28 is provided whichcommunicates with a microphone (discussed below) for transmitting audiosignals. The phone display 29 displays the various functions of thephone as controlled by a user. The display 29 in most wireless/cellularphones is a liquid crystal display. The video monitor 30 attaches to thehousing 24 as by linkage 31. As shown, two pieces of linkage areprovided, along with three ball/socket type joints 32 which enable thevideo monitor to be articulated to the desired position with respect tothe housing 24. An internal video cable 33 having a plurality ofconductors (not shown) extends through the linkage 31 and the ball andsocket joints 32 for providing the video signals which are displayed onthe video monitor 30. The video monitor 30 may be a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) type, or any other well-known display device of highresolution which has low power requirements, and has minimum sizerequirements as well. An example of a manufacture of such a miniatureLCD monitor includes DISPLAYTECH of Longmont, Colo. DISPLAYTECHmanufactures a miniature reflective display that consists offerroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) applied to a CMOS integrated circuit.The reflective display is a VGA display panel having low voltage digitaloperation, low power requirements, and full color operation. One oftheir specific products includes the LightCasterÔ VGA Display Panel,Model LDP-0307-MV1 . This is but one example of an LCD monitor which isavailable and usable within the invention herein described. As furtherdiscussed below, a video select switch 34 is mounted on the housing 24which enables a user to select viewing of either incoming video signals,or to view the outgoing video signals which are those images taken bythe camera module 10. A conventional antenna 35 is provided to enhancereception and transmission capabilities of the video phone.

[0043]FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a modification of the video phone ofFIGS. 2 and 3. Specifically, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative wayin which to attach the video monitor 30 to the video phone 22. As shown,FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a flip panel 36 which attaches to the base ofthe housing 24 as by hinge 39. The video monitor itself is then mountedto the flip panel 36 as by hinge 37. Video signals are transmitted tothe video monitor 30 of FIGS. 4 and 5 by the conductors housed in videocable 33. As shown, video cable 33 is routed through the flip panel 36.The video monitor 30 of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be placed in the desiredposition by rotating the flip panel 36 about hinge 39, and then rotatingthe video monitor 30 about hinge 37.

[0044] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 1a, the imaging device 11 includesan image sensor 40. FIG. 1 illustrates that the image sensor 40 can be aplanar and square shaped member, or alternatively, planar and circularshaped to better fit within outer tube 14. In the configuration of theimaging device in FIGS. 1 and 1a, there are only three conductors whichare necessary for providing power to the image sensor 40, and fortransmitting an image from the image sensor 40 back to the processingcircuitry found within the phone housing 24. Specifically, there is apower conductor 44, a grounding conductor 46, and an image signalconductor 48, each of which are hardwired to the image sensor 40. Thus,shielded cable 21 may simply be a three conductor, 50 ohm type cable.

[0045] Image sensor 40 can be as small as 1 mm in its largest dimension.However, a more preferable size for most video phone applications wouldbe between 4 mm to 8 mm in the image sensor's largest dimension (heightor width). The image signal transmitted from the image sensor 40 throughconductor 48 is also herein referred to as a pre-video signal. Once thepre-video signal has been transmitted from image sensor 40 by means ofconductor 48, it is received by video processing board 50, as shown inFIG. 6. Video processing board 50 then carries out all the necessaryconditioning of the pre-video signal and places it in a form, alsoreferred to herein as a video ready signal, so that it may be vieweddirectly on a remote video device such as a television or standardcomputer video monitor. In order for the pre-video signal to be viewedon the monitor 30, the pre-video signal is further conditioned by adigital signal processor 72, as further discussed below. The videosignal produced by the video processing board 50 which is viewable by anNTSC/PAL compatible video device (such as a television) can be furtherdefined as a post-video signal.

[0046]FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement wherein the image sensor 40 isplaced by itself adjacent the distal end of the camera module 10.Alternatively, some or all of the video processing circuitry may beplaced in adjacent circuit boards directly behind the image sensor 40.

[0047] Accordingly, FIG. 1a illustrates video processor board 50 aligneddirectly behind the image sensor 40. A plurality of pin connectors 52can be used to interconnect image sensor 40 to video processor board 50.Depending upon the specific configuration of image sensor 40, pinconnectors 52 may be provided for structural support and/or to provide ameans by which image signals are transmitted between image sensor 40 andboard 50. Additionally, digital signal processor 72 could also be placedbehind image sensor 40 and behind video processing board 50.Accordingly, the image sensor, and all supporting video processingcircuitry could be placed at the distal end of the camera module 10.However, because of the ample space within housing 24, it may bepreferable to place at least some of the video processing circuitrywithin housing 24. In the case of FIG. 1a, the conductor 49 representsthe conductor which may carry the post-video signal for directconnection with a remote video device 60 such as a television orcomputer monitor. As also discussed further below with respect to thefirst embodiment, placement of the digital signal processor 72 at thedistal tip of the camera module behind the video processing board 50would also enable yet another conductor (not shown) to connect directlyto the video monitor 30 for transmitting a video ready signal to thevideo monitor 30.

[0048] Again referring to FIG. 1, the area which is occupied by imagesensor 40 may be defined as the profile area of the imaging device andwhich determines its critical dimensions. If it is desired to placevideo processing circuitry adjacent the image sensor 40 at the distalend of the camera module 10, such circuitry must be able to be placed onone or more circuit boards which are longitudinally aligned with imagesensor 40 along longitudinal axis XX. If it is not important to limitthe size of the profile area, then any circuitry placed behind imagesensor 40 can be aligned in an offset manner, or may simply be largerthan the profile area of image sensor 40. In the configuration shown inFIG. 1a, it is desirable that elements 40 and 50 be approximately thesame size so that they may uniformly fit within the distal end of outertube 14.

[0049] Now referring to the first embodiment of FIG. 6, a furtherexplanation is provided of the basic electronic components of the videophone 22 which combines circuitry and functionality of a standardmobile/wireless phone and a video system. One example of a patentdisclosing basic mobile phone technology including a discussion of basicphone circuitry is U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,670. This patent is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety for purposes of disclosingstandard or basic mobile phone technology and supporting circuitry. Asshown in FIG. 6, a conventional cellular phone battery 62 is providedwhich communicates with power supply board 64. Power supply board 64conditions various power outputs to the components of the device, toinclude power to the video components. In the preferred imaging deviceof this invention, the power to the imaging device may simply be directcurrent of between about 1.5 to 12 volts, depending upon the powerrequirements of the imaging device. A camera on/off switch 66 is set tothe “on” position in order to activate the camera module 10. The videoprocessor board 50 then transfers power to supplies the camera module10, and also receives the analog pre-video signal back from the cameramodule, as further discussed below. After processing of the pre-videosignal at the video processor board 50, the video signal is video ready,meaning that it may then be directly viewed on a remote compatible videodevice 60, such as a television or computer monitor. The video processorboard 50 in FIGS. 6 and 8 is shown as residing within the housing 24;however, as discussed above with respect to the various arrangements ofthe imaging device, it can also be located within the distal tip of thecamera module. A video port 54 can be provided on the housing 24enabling a user to take a standard video jack and interconnect the videophone with the video port of the remote video device. The video formatfor such remote video devices includes NTSC/PAL and VGA; thus, the videosignal processed by video processor board 50 creates the video readysignals for use with these remote video devices. For purposes of viewingimages on the monitor 30, the pre-video signal is further processed intoa digital format within video processor board 50, preferably an 8 bitcomposite video signal format that is commonly referred to as “YUV4:2:2.” This video format easily lends itself to video compression. This8 bit digital video signal is then sent to the digital signal processor72 which performs two functions relevant to the video signal. Thedigital signal processor 72 further converts the signal into a formatthat is compatible with the driver circuitry of the video monitor 30.Secondly, the digital signal processor 72 compresses the YUV signalusing a common video compression format, preferably JPEG. The JPEGencoded video signal is then mixed with the audio signal created bymicrophone 78 and amplifier 74, and the resulting high frequency carriersignal may then be passed onto the transceiver/amplifier section 70 fortransmission. The transceiver/amplifier section also modulates thecarrier signal prior to transmission. Depending upon the position ofvideo switch 34, the video signal from digital signal processor 72 iseither sent to the monitor 30, or is sent to the transceiver/amplifiersection 70 for transmission. As also shown, the antenna 35 is used forenhancement of reception and transmission of transmitted and receivedcarrier signals.

[0050] The transceiver/amplifier section 70 also serves as a receiverwhich receives an incoming carrier signal. This incoming signal is thendemodulated within section 70, the video and audio components of theincoming signal are separated, and then these separated signals are thensent to the digital signal processor 72 which performs videodecompression. Then, the decompressed video signal is sent to themonitor 30 for viewing (if the video switch 34 is placed in thatselected mode). The decompressed audio signal is sent to the amplifier74, and then to the speaker 76. The video switch 34 may simply be amomentary, spring loaded, push button-type switch. When the video switch34 is not depressed, incoming video, which is received via the handsetantenna 35, is processed as discussed above in the transceiver/amplifiersection 70 and digital signal processor 72, and then sent to the monitor30. When the video switch 34 is depressed and held, the video signalproduced from the camera module 10 is processed as discussed above, andultimately sent to the monitor 30. An operator can cycle the switch 34between the two positions in order to selectively choose whether to viewincoming or outgoing video.

[0051] To summarize the operation of the video telephone, a user wishingto contact another party would dial the telephone in the conventionalmanner. Assuming the party called has video telephone capability, theuser could view the images transmitted from the other party by notdepressing the video switch 34. If the user desires to transmit videoimages to the other party, the user would grasp the camera module 10,and extend the cord 12 of the camera module by pulling it away from thevideo telephone, and then point the camera module at the object/persontargeted. The user then depresses the video switch 34 which results intransmission of the images captured by the camera module 10 to the otherparty. Also, the video monitor 30 will display the images captured bythe camera module 10 by depressing the video switch 34. Because thecamera module is tethered to the video telephone by retractable cable12, the user can continue a conversation with the other party withouthaving to physically remove the video telephone away from the user'smouth when simultaneously taking video by the camera module. Because ofthe extremely small size of the camera module 10, it is easily housedwithin the housing 24 when not in use.

[0052] Now referring to FIG. 7, the second embodiment of thecommunication device is illustrated which utilizes a wireless cameramodule 10′. As with the first embodiment, the camera module 10′ iscylindrical shaped and can be stored within hole or orifice 25.

[0053] Thus, exteriorly, the communication device 22 appears the same,along with camera module 10′ with the exception that there is no cableor cord interconnecting the camera module 10′ to the communicationdevice 22. Now also referring to FIGS. 8 and 8a, in lieu of a wiredconnection, the camera module 10′ communicates with the communicationdevice 22 by a transceiver radio element 88 which is mounted in theproximal end of the module 10′. Similarly, the communication device 22also includes its own transceiver radio module 84 which allows videosignals transmitted by transceiver 88 to be received and then passed onto the video processor board 50 for further video signal processing, asnecessary. Antennae 85 communicates with transceiver module 84 forenhancing reception of incoming video signals from the camera module10′. The camera module 10′ also has its own antennae 81 which enhancesreception for authenticating signals which may be transmitted bytransceiver 84. As understood by those skilled in the art, Bluetooth andother RF standards involve two-way communications whereby transmissionsare authenticated and synchronized. Thus the transceiver module 84 whosemain function is to receive a signal from the camera module 10′, alsotransmits some signals to the camera module 10′ and camera module 10′also acts as a receiver to authenticate and receive such signals. Theproximal end of the camera module 10′ also includes a rechargeablebattery 82 which is recharged when the module 10′ is seated within theopening 25 of the communication device 22. The battery 82 can be acommon rechargeable nickel-cadmium or lithium-ion type battery. Thebattery 82 has a contact 83 protruding from the proximal tip of thecamera module 10′. The deepest portion of chamber/opening 25 also has acontact 87 (shown schematically in FIG. 7) which makes contact withcontact 83 when the camera module 10′ is placed in the chamber. Contact87 electrically couples with camera battery charging circuit 86 whichprovides an electrical charge for recharging the battery 82. When thecamera module 10′ is placed in the chamber 25, the external housing orcasing of the camera module 10′ is electrically conductive and contactsa ground such as spring loaded clip (not shown) within the chamber 25.Thus, recharge of the battery 82 can be accomplished.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the charge circuit 86 receives power frompower supply board 64. Thus, the battery 62 of the communication devicealso provides recharging capability to the battery 82.

[0055] The operation of the communication device is essentially the samein the second embodiment. If the user desires to transmit video imagesto another party, the user would grasp the camera module 10′, remove itfrom chamber 25, and then point it at the target. The camera module 10′collects the video images through the objective lens group 18 whichconditions images received by the image sensor 40. The plurality ofconductors housed in the shielded miniature cable 21 transfers the videosignals to the transceiver radio element 88. The transceiver radioelement 88, among other functions, adds a high frequency carrier signaland baseband protocol to the video signal which is then transmitted tothe transceiver radio module 84. The video signal transmitted by thetransceiver radio element 88 is authenticated by the transceiver radiomodule 84, the video signal is stripped of its carrier, and then routedby a link controller (not shown as a separate element apart fromtransceiver 84) to the video processor circuitry 50. The video signal isthen handled in the same manner as the first embodiment. The user woulddepress the video switch 34 to initiate transmission of the video to theother party of the telephone call. Once the camera module 10′ is removedfrom its seated position in the chamber 25, the contact between contacts83 and 87 is broken. This break in electrical contact would allow thebattery 82 to energize the camera module 10′, and thus allow the cameramodule 10′ to begin wirelessly communicating with the transceiver radiomodule 84. The user would be able to easily hold and point the cameramodule 10′ with one hand, while operating the communication device 22 inthe other hand. As with the first embodiment, the video monitor 30 woulddisplay the video images simultaneously while video images were beingtransmitted to the other party so long as video switch 34 was depressed.If the user wished to receive video images transmitted from the otherparty, the user would simply reset the video switch 34 to its off orinactive state. The camera module 10′ would continue to shoot video andcommunicate with the module 84; however, the video images would not beseen on screen 30. Again as with the first embodiment, a remote videodevice 60 could receive video images and remotely display and record thesame.

[0056] Although FIG. 8 illustrates the video processor board 50 locatedwithin the communication device 22, the video processor board 50 mayalternatively be co-located with the imaging device 40 within the distaltip of the camera module 10′. Accordingly, all necessary videoprocessing may take place within the camera module and the video signalwhich would be transmitted by the radio transceiver element 88 is a postvideo signal which is ready for viewing by either the video monitor 30,or the remote video device 60 once the transceiver radio module 84receives, authenticates, and strips the video signal of its carrierfrequency as transmitted by the radio transceiver element 88.

[0057]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating one way in which theimaging device 11 may be constructed. As illustrated, the image sensor40 may include the timing and control circuits on the same planarstructure. Power is supplied to image sensor 40 by power supply board64. The connection between image sensor 40 and board 64 may simply be acable having two conductors therein, one for ground and another fortransmitting the desired voltage. These are illustrated as conductors 44and 46. The output from image sensor 40 in the form of the pre-videosignal is input to video processor board 50 by means of the conductor48. In the configuration of FIG. 4, conductor 48 may simply be a 50 ohmconductor. Power and ground also are supplied to video processing board50 by conductors 44 and 46 from power supply board 52. The output signalfrom the video processor board 50 is in the form of the post-videosignal and which may be carried by conductor 49 which can also be a 50ohm conductor. As discussed above with respect to the second embodiment,in lieu of a hard wired connection by use of conductors 48 and 49, thepre-video signal or the post-video signal (depending upon theconfiguration of the imaging device) is transmitted wirelessly to thetransceiver radio module 84.

[0058] Although FIG. 9 illustrates the image sensor and the timing andcontrol circuits being placed on the same circuit board or planarstructure, it is possible to separate the timing and control circuitsfrom the pixel array and place the timing and control circuits ontovideo processing board 50. The advantage in placing the timing andcontrol circuits on the same planar structure as the image sensor isthat only three connections are required between image sensor 40 and therest of the imaging device, namely, conductors 44, 46 and 48.Additionally, placing the timing and control circuits on the same planarstructure with the pixel array results in the pre-video signal havingless noise. Furthermore, the addition of the timing and control circuitsto the same planar structure carrying the image sensor only adds anegligible amount of size to one dimension of the planar structure. Ifthe pixel array is to be the only element on the planar structure, thenadditional connections must be made between the planar structure and thevideo processing board 50 in order to transmit the clock signals andother control signals to the pixel array. For example, a ribbon-typecable (not shown) or a plurality of 50 ohm coaxial cables (not shown)must be used in order to control the downloading of information from thepixel array. Each of these additional connections would be hard wiredbetween the boards.

[0059]FIG. 9a is a more detailed schematic diagram of image sensor 40which contains an array of pixels 90 and the timing and control circuits92. One example of a pixel array 90 which can be used within theinvention is similar to that which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,471,515 to Fossum, et al., said patent being incorporated by referenceherein. More specifically, FIG. 3 of Fossum, et al. illustrates thecircuitry which makes up each pixel in the array of pixels 90. The arrayof pixels 90 as described in Fossum, et al. is an active pixel groupwith intra-pixel charged transfer. The image sensor made by the array ofpixels is formed as a monolithic complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS) integrated circuit which may be manufactured in an industrystandard complementary metal oxide semiconductor process. The integratedcircuit includes a focal plane array of pixel cells, each one of thecells including a photo gate overlying the substrate for accumulatingthe photo generated charges. In broader terms, as well understood bythose skilled in the art, an image impinges upon the array of pixels,the image being in the form of photons which strike the photo diodes inthe array of pixels. The photo diodes or photo detectors convert thephotons into electrical energy or electrons which are stored incapacitors found in each pixel circuit. Each pixel circuit has its ownamplifier which is controlled by the timing and control circuitrydiscussed below. The information or electrons stored in the capacitorsis unloaded in the desired sequence and at a desired frequency, and thensent to the video processing board 50 for further processing.

[0060] Although the active pixel array disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,471,515 is mentioned herein, it will be understood that the hybridCCD/CMOS described above, or any other solid state imaging device may beused wherein timing and control circuits can be placed either on thesame circuit board or planar structure with the pixel array, or may beseparated and placed remotely. Furthermore, it will be clearlyunderstood that the invention claimed herein is not specifically limitedto an image sensor as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,515, butencompasses any image sensor which may be configured for use inconjunction with the other processing circuitry which makes up theimaging device of this invention.

[0061] To summarize the different options available in terms ofarrangement of the components of the imaging device 11, the array ofpixels 90 of the image sensor 40 may be placed alone on a first plane,or the timing and control circuitry 92 may be placed with the array ofpixels 90 on the first plane. If the timing and control circuitry 92 isnot placed with the array of pixels 90 on the first plane, the timingand control circuitry 92 may be placed by itself on a second plane, orthe timing and control circuitry 92 may be placed on a second plane withsome or all of the processing circuitry from video processing board 50.The video processing board 50 itself may be placed on one or more planeson corresponding circuit boards containing video processing circuitry.FIG. 1a illustrates a single video processor board 50 located directlybehind image sensor 40; however, it shall be understood that additionalcircuit boards containing additional circuitry may be placed behind theimage sensor 40 and behind the video processing board 50. Some or all ofthe video processing circuitry may be placed within the camera module 10near the distal end thereof adjacent the image sensor 40. Videoprocessing circuitry which is not placed within the distal end of thecamera module 10 may be placed within the housing 24 of thecommunication device. If video processing circuitry is placed near thedistal end of the camera module 10, it is preferable to arrange thevideo processing circuitry in a stacked relationship behind the imagesensor 40. Additionally, it is preferable to place the processingcircuitry in a parallel arrangement with respect to image sensor 40 andto center such video processing circuitry along axis X-X in order tominimize the size of camera module 10.

[0062] The timing and control circuits 92 are used to control therelease of the image information or image signal stored in the pixelarray. In the image sensor of Fossum, et al., the pixels are arranged ina plurality of rows and columns. The image information from each of thepixels is first consolidated in a row by row fashion, and is thendownloaded from one or more columns which contain the consolidatedinformation from the rows. As shown in FIG. 9a, the control ofinformation consolidated from the rows is achieved by latches 94,counter 96, and decoder 98. The operation of the latches, counter anddecoder is similar to the operation of similar control circuitry foundin other imaging devices. That is, a latch is a means of controlling theflow of electrons from each individual addressed pixel in the array ofpixels. When a latch 94 is enabled, it will allow the transfer ofelectrons to the decoder 98. The counter 96 is programmed to count adiscrete amount of information based upon a clock input from the timingand control circuits 92. When the counter 96 has reached its set pointor overflows, the image information is allowed to pass through thelatches 94 and be sent to the decoder 98 which places the consolidatedinformation in a serial format. Once the decoder 98 has decoded theinformation and placed it in the serial format, then the row driver 100accounts for the serial information from each row and enables each rowto be downloaded by the column or columns. In short, the latches 94 willinitially allow the information stored in each pixel to be accessed. Thecounter 96 then controls the amount of information flow based upon adesired time sequence. Once the counter has reached its set point, thedecoder 98 then knows to take the information and place it in the serialformat. The whole process is repeated, based upon the timing sequencethat is programmed. When the row driver 100 has accounted for each ofthe rows, the row driver reads out each of the rows at the desired videorate.

[0063] The information released from the column or columns is alsocontrolled by a series of latches 102, a counter 104 and a decoder 106.As with the information from the rows, the column information is alsoplaced in a serial format which may then be sent to the video processingboard 50. This serial format of column information is the pre-videosignal carried by conductor 48. The column signal conditioner 108 placesthe column serial information in a manageable format in the form ofdesired voltage levels. In other words, the column signal conditioner108 only accepts desired voltages from the downloaded column(s).

[0064] The clock input to the timing and control circuits 92 may simplybe a quartz crystal timer. This clock input is divided into many otherfrequencies for use by the various counters. The run input to the timingand control circuit 92 may simply be an on/off control. The defaultinput can allow one to input the pre-video signal to a video processorboard which may run at a frequency of other than 30 hertz. The datainput controls functions such as zoom. At least for a CMOS type activepixel array which can be accessed in a random manner, features such aszoom are easily manipulated by addressing only those pixels which locatea desired area of interest by the user.

[0065] A further discussion of the timing and control circuitry whichmay be used in conjunction with an active pixel array is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,471,515 and is also described in an article entitled“Active Pixel Image Sensor Integrated With Readout Circuits” appearingin NASA Tech Briefs, October 1996, pp. 38 and 39. This particulararticle is also incorporated by reference.

[0066] Once image sensor 40 has created the pre-video signal, it is sentto the video processing board 50 for further processing. At board 50, asshown in FIG. 9b, the pre-video signal is passed through a series offilters. One common filter arrangement may include two low pass filters114 and 116, and a band pass filter 112. The band pass filter onlypasses low frequency components of the signal. Once these low frequencycomponents pass, they are then sent to detector 120 and white balancecircuit 124, the white balance circuit distinguishing between the colorsof red and blue. The white balance circuit helps the imaging device setits normal, which is white. The portion of the signal passing throughlow pass filter 114 then travels through gain control 118 which reducesthe magnitude or amplitude of this portion to a manageable level. Theoutput from gain control 118 is then fed back to the white balancecircuit 124. The portion of the signal traveling through filter 116 isplaced through the processor 122. In the processor 122, the portion ofthe signal carrying the luminance or non-chroma is separated and sent tothe Y chroma mixer 132. Any chroma portion of the signal is held inprocessor 122.

[0067] Referring to the output of the white balance circuit 124, thischroma portion of the signal is sent to a delay line 126 where thesignal is then further reduced by switch 128. The output of switch 128is sent through a balanced modulator 130 and also to the Y chroma mixer132 where the processed chroma portion of the signal is mixed with theprocessed non-chroma portion. Finally, the output from the Y chromamixer 132 is sent to the NTSC/PAL encoder 134, commonly known in the artas a “composite” encoder. The composite frequencies are added to thesignal leaving the Y chroma mixer 132 in encoder 134 to produce thepost-video signal which may be accepted by a television. Additionally,the signal from Y chroma mixer 132 is sent to the digital signalprocessor 72 so that images can be viewed on monitor 30.

[0068] In addition to the functions described above that are achieved bythe digital signal processor 72, the processor 72 can also provideadditional digital enhancements. Specifically, digital enhancement cansharpen or otherwise clarify the edges of an image viewed on a videoscreen which might normally be somewhat distorted. Additionally,selected background or foreground images may be removed thus onlyleaving the desired group of images.

[0069] In addition to digital enhancement, the digital signal processor72 can include other circuitry which may further condition the signalreceived from board 50 so that it may be viewed in a desired formatother than NTSC/PAL. One common encoder which can be used would be anRGB encoder. An RGB encoder separates the signal into the three primarycolors (red, green and blue). A SVHS encoder (super video home system)encoder could also be added to processor 72. This type of encoder splitsor separates the luminance portion of the signal and the chroma portionof the signal. Some observers believe that a more clear signal is inputto the video device by such a separation, which in turn results in amore clear video image viewed on the video device. Another example of anencoder which could be added to processor 72 includes a VGA compatibleencoder, which enables the video signal to be viewed on a standard VGAmonitor which is common to many computer monitors.

[0070] One difference between the arrangement of image sensor 40 and theoutputs found in FIG. 3 of the Fossum, et al. patent is that in lieu ofproviding two analog outputs [namely, VS out (signal) and VR out(reset)], the reset function takes place in the timing and controlcircuitry 92. Accordingly, the pre-video signal only requires oneconductor 48.

[0071]FIGS. 10 a-10 e illustrate in more detail one example of circuitrywhich may be used in the video processing board 50 in order to produce apost-video signal which may be directly accepted by a NTSC/PALcompatible video device such as a television. The circuitry disclosed inFIGS. 10a-10 e is very similar to circuitry which is found in aminiature quarter-inch Panasonic camera, Model KS-162. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the particular arrangementof elements found in FIGS. 10a-10 e are only exemplary of the type ofvideo processing circuitry which may be incorporated in order to takethe pre-video signal and condition it to be received by a desired videodevice.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10a, 5 volt power is provided along with aground by conductors 44 and 46 to board 50. The pre-video signal carriedby conductor 48 is buffered at buffer 137 and then is transferred toamplifying group 138. Amplifying group 138 amplifies the signal to ausable level as well as achieving impedance matching for the remainingcircuitry.

[0073] The next major element is the automatic gain control 140 shown inFIG. 10b. Automatic gain control 140 automatically controls the signalfrom amplifying group 138 to an acceptable level and also adds othercharacteristics to the signal as discussed below. More specifically,automatic gain control 140 conditions the signal based upon inputs froma 12 channel digital to analog converter 141. Converter 141 retrievesstored information from EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable readonly memory) 143. EEPROM 143 is a non-volatile memory element which maystore user information, for example, settings for color, tint, balanceand the like. Thus, automatic gain control 140 changes the texture orvisual characteristics based upon user inputs. The keypad 26, inaddition to the conventional buttons used to control telephonecommunications, could also include buttons for controlling the imageviewed on monitor 30 such as a gain control 140. The signal leaving theautomatic gain control 140 is an analog signal until being converted byanalog to digital converter 142.

[0074] Digital signal processor 144 of FIG. 10c further processes theconverted signal into a serial type digital signal. One function of themicroprocessor 146 is to control the manner in which digital signalprocessor 144 sorts the digital signals emanating from converter 142.Microprocessor 146 also controls analog to digital converter 142 interms of when it is activated, when it accepts data, when to releasedata, and the rate at which data should be released. Microprocessor 146may also control other functions of the imaging device such as whitebalance. The microprocessor 146 may selectively receive the informationstored in the EEPROM 143 and carry out its various commands to furthercontrol the other elements within the circuitry.

[0075] After the signal is processed by digital signal processor 144,the signal is sent to digital encoder 148 illustrated in FIG. 10d. Someof the more important functions of digital encoder 148 are to encode thedigital signal with synchronization, modulated chroma, blanking,horizontal drive, and the other components necessary so that the signalmay be placed in a condition for reception by a video device such as atelevision monitor. As also illustrated in FIG. 10d, once the signal haspassed through digital encoder 148, the signal is reconverted into ananalog signal through digital to analog converter 150.

[0076] This reconverted analog signal is then buffered at buffers 151and then sent to amplifier group 152 of FIG. 10e which amplifies thesignal so that it is readily accepted by a desired video device.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10e, one SVHS outlet is provided at 160,and two composite or NTSC outlets are provided at 162 and 164,respectively.

[0077] From the foregoing, it is apparent that an entire imaging devicemay be incorporated within the distal tip of the camera module, or mayhave some elements of the imaging device being placed in the housing ofthe communication device. Based upon the type of image sensor used, theprofile area of the imaging device may be made small enough to be placedinto a camera module which has a very small diameter.

[0078] This invention has been described in detail with reference toparticular embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variousother modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a wireless telephone for conducting wirelesstelephonic communications, the improvement comprising: a video systemintegral with said telephone for receiving and transmitting videoimages, and for viewing said video images, said video system comprising;a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said image sensorincluding an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said imagesensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupledto said array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels,said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit boardmounted in said camera module adjacent said image sensor andelectrically coupled to said image sensor, said first circuit boardincluding circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to adesired video format, said camera module further including a transceiverradio element mounted therein and electrically communicating with saidfirst circuit board to transmit said converted pre-video signal; atransceiver radio module mounted in the wireless telephone forwirelessly communicating with said transceiver element in said cameramodule to receive said converted pre-video signal; a video monitorattached to said wireless phone for viewing said video images, saidvideo monitor electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module fordisplaying video images processed by said first circuit board.
 2. Adevice, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said pixels are CMOS pixels. 3.A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said transceiver radio elementand said transceiver radio module communicate by a Bluetoothcommunications standard.
 4. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio modulecommunicate by an IEEE 802.15.3 communications standard.
 5. In awireless telephone for conducting wireless telephonic communications,the improvement comprising: a video system integral with said telephonefor receiving and transmitting video images, and for viewing said videoimages, said video system comprising; a camera module housing an imagesensor therein, said image sensor including an array of pixels forreceiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitrymeans on said first plane and coupled to said array of pixels for timingand control of said array of pixels, said image sensor producing apre-video signal; said camera module further including a transceiverradio element mounted therein and electrically communicating with saidimage sensor to transmit said pre-video signal; a transceiver radiomodule mounted in the wireless telephone for wirelessly communicatingwith said radio transceiver element in said camera module to receivesaid pre-video signal; a first circuit board mounted in said wirelesstelephone and electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module,said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting saidpre-video signal to a desired video format; a video monitor attached tosaid wireless phone for viewing said video images, said video monitorelectrically coupled to said transceiver radio module for displayingvideo images processed by said first circuit board.
 6. A device, asclaimed in claim 5, wherein: said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 7. A device,as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said transceiver radio element and saidtransceiver radio module communicate by a Bluetooth standard.
 8. Adevice, as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said transceiver radio elementand said transceiver radio module communicate by an IEEE 802.15.3standard.
 9. In a video telephone for receiving and transmittingtelephone communications to include video signals transmitted by theuser of the phone, and video signals received from the party to whom acall was made, the video telephone including a housing, and a videomonitor for viewing the video signals, the improvement comprising: acamera module for taking video images, said camera module wirelesslycommunicating with circuitry within said video telephone enabling videosignals to be transmitted from said camera module to said videotelephone for viewing by said user or for further transmission toanother party, said camera module including an image sensor housedtherein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an arrayof pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor furtherincluding circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said arrayof said pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, saidimage sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit boardelectrically connected to said image sensor and mounted within saidcamera module adjacent said image sensor, said first circuit boardincluding circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to adesired video format, and a transceiver radio element mounted in saidcamera module and electrically coupled to said first circuit board fortransmitting said converted pre-video signal wirelessly to the videotelephone.
 10. A device, as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said pixels areCMOS pixels.
 11. A device, as claimed in claim 9, wherein: saidtransceiver radio element communicates with the video telephone by aBluetooth communications standard.
 12. A device, as claimed in claim 9,wherein: said transceiver radio element communicates with the videotelephone by an IEEE 802.15.3 communications standard.
 13. In a videotelephone for receiving and transmitting telephone communications toinclude video signals transmitted by the user of the phone, and videosignals received from the party to whom a call was made, the videotelephone including a housing, and a video monitor for viewing the videosignals, the improvement comprising: a camera module for taking videoimages, said camera module wirelessly communicating with circuitrywithin said video telephone enabling video signals to be transmittedfrom said camera module to said video telephone for viewing by said useror for further transmission to another party, said camera moduleincluding an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in afirst plane and including an array of pixels for receiving imagesthereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on saidfirst plane and coupled to said array of said pixels for timing andcontrol of said array of pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-videosignal, and a transceiver radio element mounted in said camera moduleand electrically coupled to said image sensor board for transmitting thepre-video signal wirelessly to the video telephone, wherein thepre-video signal is further processed in the video telephone forviewing.
 14. A device, as claimed in claim 13, wherein: said pixels areCMOS pixels.
 15. A device, as claimed in claim 13, wherein: saidtransceiver radio element communicates with the video telephone by aBluetooth communications standard.
 16. A device, as claimed in claim 13,wherein: said transceiver radio element communicates with the videotelephone by an IEEE 802.15.3 communications standard.
 17. A videotelephone for conducting telephonic communications including receivingand transmitting video images between two parties of a telephone call,said video telephone comprising: an image sensor lying in a first planeincluding an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said imagesensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupledto said array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels,said image sensor producing a pre-video signal; a first circuit boardelectrically communicating with said image sensor, said first circuitboard including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal toa desired video format; a camera module housing said image sensor andsaid first circuit board; a transceiver radio element mounted in saidcamera module and communicating with said first circuit board forwirelessly transmitting the converted pre-video signal; a transceiverradio module communicating wirelessly with said transceiver radioelement for receiving the converted pre-video signal; atransceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said transceiverradio module for amplifying and further transmitting the convertedpre-video signal, and for receiving and amplifying video and audiosignals transmitted by the other party of the telephone call; a digitalsignal processor electrically coupled to said transceiver radio moduleand said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processorfurther conditioning said converted pre-video signal prior to saidconverted pre-video signal being manipulated by saidtransceiver/amplifier section, and also for conditioning video and audiosignals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the otherparty of the telephone call; a microphone electrically communicatingwith said digital signal processor for receiving sound and convertingthe sound to audio signals; a speaker electrically communicating withsaid digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals; a videomonitor attached to said video phone, said video monitor for selectivelydisplaying the converted pre-video signals, and for selectivelydisplaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier sectionfrom the other party of the telephone call; a video switch communicatingwith said transceiver radio module and said digital signal processor forswitching video images to be viewed on said video monitor, a user beingable to selectively display video images from the converted pre-videosignal or video images received by the transceiver/amplifier sectionfrom the other party of the telephone call; and a power supply mountedto said video telephone for providing power thereto.
 18. A device, asclaimed in claim 17, wherein: said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 19. A device,as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said transceiver radio elementcommunicates with the video telephone by a Bluetooth communicationsstandard.
 20. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein: saidtransceiver radio element communicates with the video telephone by anIEEE 802.15.3 communications standard.
 21. A video telephone forconducting telephonic communications including receiving andtransmitting video images between two parties of a telephone call, saidvideo telephone comprising: an image sensor lying in a first plane, andan array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensorfurther including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled tosaid array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels,said image sensor producing a pre-video signal; a camera module housingsaid image sensor therein; a transceiver radio element mounted in saidcamera module and communicating with said image sensor for wirelesslytransmitting the pre-video signal; a transceiver radio modulecommunicating wirelessly with said transceiver radio element forreceiving the pre-video signal; a first circuit board electricallycommunicating with said transceiver radio module, said first circuitboard including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal toa desired video format; a transceiver/amplifier section electricallycoupled to said first circuit board for amplifying and furthertransmitting the converted pre-video signal, and for receiving andamplifying video and audio signals transmitted by the other party of thetelephone call; a digital signal processor electrically coupled to saidfirst circuit board and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digitalsignal processor further conditioning said converted pre-video signalprior to said converted pre-video signal being manipulated by saidtransceiver/amplifier section, and also for conditioning the video andaudio signals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from theother party of the telephone call; a microphone electricallycommunicating with said digital signal processor for receiving sound andconverting the sound to audio signals; a speaker electricallycommunicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting audiosignals; a video monitor attached to said video phone, said videomonitor for selectively displaying the converted pre-video signals, andfor selectively displaying video images received by saidtransceiver/amplifier section from the other party of the telephonecall; a video switch communicating with said transceiver radio moduleand said digital signal processor for switching video images to beviewed on said video monitor, a user being able to selectively displayvideo images from the converted pre-video signal or video imagesreceived by the transceiver/amplifier section from the other party ofthe telephone call; and a power supply mounted to said video telephonefor providing power thereto.
 22. A device, as claimed in claim 21,wherein: said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 23. A device, as claimed in claim21, wherein: said transceiver radio element communicates with the videotelephone by a Bluetooth communications standard.
 24. A device, asclaimed in claim 21, wherein: said transceiver radio elementcommunicates with the video telephone by an IEEE 802.15.3 communicationsstandard.
 25. In a wireless telephone for conducting wireless telephoniccommunications, the improvement comprising: a video system integral withsaid telephone for receiving and transmitting video images, and forviewing said images, said video system comprising: a camera modulehousing an image sensor therein, said image sensor lying in a firstplane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon,circuitry means electrically coupled to said array of pixels for timingand control of said array of pixels, said circuitry means for timing andcontrol being placed remote from said array of pixels on a second plane,said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit boardlying in a third plane and electrically coupled to said image sensor,said first circuit board including circuitry means for processing andconverting said pre-video signal to a desired video format, atransceiver radio element communicating with said first circuit boardfor transmitting said converted pre-video signal; a transceiver radiomodule mounted in said telephone for wirelessly receiving said convertedpre-video signal; and a video monitor attached to said wireless phonefor viewing said video images, said video monitor communicating withsaid transceiver radio module, and displaying video images processed bysaid first circuit board.
 26. A device, as claimed in claim 25, wherein:said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 27. A device, as claimed in claim 25,wherein: said transceiver radio element communicates with the videotelephone by a Bluetooth communications standard.
 28. A device, asclaimed in claim 25, wherein: said transceiver radio elementcommunicates with the video telephone by an IEEE 802.15.3 communicationsstandard.
 29. In a video telephone for receiving and transmittingtelephone communications to include video signals transmitted by theuser of the phone, and video signals received from the party to whom acall is made, the video telephone including a video monitor for viewingthe video signals, the improvement comprising: a camera module fortaking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitrywithin said video telephone enabling video signals to be transmittedfrom said camera module to said video telephone for viewing by said useror for further transmission to another party, said camera moduleincluding an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in afirst plane and including an array of pixels for receiving imagesthereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuitboard mounted adjacent said image sensor and electrically connected tosaid image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry meansfor timing and control of said array of pixels and circuitry means forprocessing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired videoformat, and a transceiver radio element communicating with said firstcircuit board for wirelessly transmitting said converted pre-videosignal.
 30. A device, as claimed in claim 29, wherein: said pixels areCMOS pixels.
 31. A device, as claimed in claim 29, wherein: saidtransceiver radio element transmits by a Bluetooth communicationsstandard.
 32. A device, as claimed in claim 29, wherein: saidtransceiver radio element transmits by an IEEE 802.15.3 communicationsstandard.
 33. In a video telephone for receiving and transmittingtelephone communications to include video signals transmitted by theuser of the phone, and video signals received from the party to whom acall is made, the video telephone including a video monitor for viewingthe video signals, the improvement comprising: a camera module fortaking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitrywithin said video enabling video signals to be transmitted from saidcamera module to said video telephone for viewing by said user or forfurther transmission to another party, said camera module including animage sensor housed therein and lying in a first plane, said imagesensor including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, saidimage sensor producing a pre-video signal, and a transceiver radioelement communicating with said image sensor for wirelessly transmittingsaid pre-video signal.
 34. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 35. A device, as claimed in claim 33,wherein: said transceiver radio element transmits by a Bluetoothcommunications standard.
 36. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:said transceiver radio element transmits by an IEEE 802.15.3communications standard.
 37. In a video telephone for receiving andtransmitting telephone communications to include video signalstransmitted by the user of the phone, and video signals received fromthe party to whom a call was made, the video telephone including a videomonitor for viewing the video signals, the improvement comprising: acamera module for taking video images, said camera module communicatingwith circuitry within said video enabling video signals to betransmitted from said camera module to said video telephone for viewingby said user or for further transmission to another party, said cameramodule including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lyingin a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving imagesthereon, said image sensor further including circuitry meanselectrically coupled to said array of said pixels for timing and controlof said array of pixels, said circuitry means for timing and controlplaced remote from said array of pixels on a second plane, said imagesensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board electricallyconnected to said image sensor and lying in a third plane, said firstcircuit board including circuitry means for processing and convertingsaid pre-video signal to a desired video format, and a radio transceiverelement communicating with said first circuit board for wirelesslytransmitting said converted pre-video signal.
 38. A device, as claimedin claim 37, wherein: said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 39. A device, asclaimed in claim 37, wherein: said transceiver radio element transmitsby a Bluetooth communications standard.
 40. A device, as claimed inclaim 37, wherein: said transceiver radio element transmits by an IEEE802.15.3 communications standard.
 41. In a video telephone for receivingand transmitting telephone communications to include video signalstransmitted by the user of the phone, and video signals received fromthe party to whom a call was made, the video telephone including a videomonitor for viewing the video signals, the improvement comprising: acamera module for taking video images, said camera module communicatingwith circuitry within said video telephone enabling viewing of saidvideo images on said video telephone and enabling video signals to betransmitted from said camera module for viewing by said party, saidcamera module including an image sensor housed therein, said imagesensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels forreceiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitrymeans electrically coupled to said array of said pixels for timing andcontrol of said array of pixels, said circuitry means for timing andcontrol placed remote from said array of pixels on a second plane, saidimage sensor producing a pre-video signal, and a radio transceiverelement communicating with said image sensor for wirelessly transmittingsaid pre-video signal.
 42. A device, as claimed in claim 41, wherein:said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 43. A device, as claimed in claim 41,wherein: said transceiver radio element transmits by a Bluetoothcommunications standard.
 44. A device, as claimed in claim 41, wherein:said transceiver radio element transmits by an IEEE 802.15.3communications standard.
 45. A video telephone for conducting telephoniccommunications including receiving and transmitting video images betweentwo parties of a telephone call, said video telephone comprising: animage sensor lying in a first plane including an array of pixels forreceiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-videosignal; a first circuit board electrically communicating with said imagesensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timingand control of said array of pixels and circuitry means for processingand converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format; atransceiver radio element communicating with said first circuit boardfor wirelessly transmitting said converted pre-video signal; a cameramodule housing said image sensor, said first circuit board, and saidtransceiver radio element therein; a transceiver radio module mounted insaid telephone for receiving said converted pre-video signal; atransceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said transceiverradio module for amplifying and further transmitting the convertedpre-video signal, and for receiving and amplifying video and audiosignals transmitted by the other party of the telephone call; a digitalsignal processor electrically coupled to said transceiver radio moduleand said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processorfurther conditioning said pre-video signal which is first conditioned bysaid first circuit board, and also for conditioning video and audiosignals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the otherparty of the telephone call; a microphone electrically communicatingwith said digital signal processor for receiving sound and convertingthe sound to audio signals; a speaker electrically communicating withsaid digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals; a videomonitor attached to said video phone, said video monitor for selectivelydisplaying images from said imaging device, and for selectivelydisplaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section;a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and saiddigital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on saidvideo monitor; and a power supply mounted to said video telephone forproviding power thereto.
 46. A device, as claimed in claim 45, wherein:said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 47. A device, as claimed in claim 45,wherein: said transceiver radio element transmits by a Bluetoothcommunications standard.
 48. A device, as claimed in claim 45, wherein:said transceiver radio element transmits by an IEEE 802.15.3communications standard.
 49. A video telephone for conducting telephoniccommunications including receiving and transmitting video images betweentwo parties of a telephone call, said video telephone comprising: animage sensor lying in a first plane including an array of pixels forreceiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-videosignal; a first circuit board electrically communicating with said imagesensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timingand control of said array of pixels; a transceiver radio elementcommunicating with said first circuit board for wirelessly transmittingsaid pre-video signal; a camera module housing said image sensor, saidfirst circuit board, and said transceiver radio element therein; atransceiver radio module mounted in said telephone for receiving saidpre-video signal; a second circuit board electronically communicatingwith said radio transceiver module, said second circuit board includingcircuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired videoformat; a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to saidsecond circuit board for amplifying and further transmitting saidconverted pre-video signal, and for receiving and amplifying video andaudio signals transmitted by the other party of the telephone call; adigital signal processor electrically coupled to said second circuitboard and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signalprocessor further conditioning said converted pre-video signal which isfirst conditioned by said second circuit board, and also forconditioning video and audio signals received by saidtransceiver/amplifier section from the other party of the telephonecall; a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signalprocessor for receiving sound and converting the sound to audio signals;a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processorfor broadcasting audio signals; a video monitor attached to said videophone, said video monitor for selectively displaying images from saidimaging device, and for selectively displaying video images received bysaid transceiver/amplifier section from the other party of the telephonecall; a video switch communicating with said second circuit board andsaid digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed onsaid video monitor, a user being able to selectively display videoimages from the imaging device or video images received by thetransceiver/amplifier section from the other party of the telephonecall; and a power supply mounted to said video telephone for providingpower thereto.
 50. A device, as claimed in claim 49, wherein: saidpixels are CMOS pixels.
 51. A device, as claimed in claim 49, wherein:said transceiver radio element transmits by a Bluetooth communicationsstandard.
 52. A device, as claimed in claim 49, wherein: saidtransceiver radio element transmits by an IEEE 802.15.3 communicationsstandard.
 53. A video telephone for conducting telephonic communicationsincluding receiving and transmitting video images between two parties ofa telephone call, said video telephone comprising: an image sensor lyingin a first plane, and an array of pixels for receiving images thereon,said image sensor further including circuitry means electrically coupledto said array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels,said circuitry means for timing and control being placed remote fromsaid array of pixels on a second plane, said image sensor producing apre-video signal; a first circuit board electrically coupled with saidimage sensor and lying in a third plane, said first circuit boardincluding circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-videosignal to a desired video format; a transceiver radio elementcommunicating with said first circuit board to wirelessly transmit theconverted pre-video signal; a camera module housing said image sensor,said first circuit board and said transceiver radio element; atransceiver radio module mounted in said videophone for wirelesslyreceiving said converted pre-video signal. a transceiver/amplifiersection electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module foramplifying and further transmitting said converted pre-video signal andfor receiving and amplifying video and audio signals transmitted by theother party of the telephone call; a digital signal processorelectrically coupled to said transceiver radio module and saidtransceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor furtherconditioning said converted pre-video signal which is first conditionedby said first circuit board, and also for conditioning video and audiosignals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the otherparty of the telephone call; a microphone electrically communicatingwith said digital signal processor for receiving sound and convertingthe sound to audio signals; a speaker electrically communicating withsaid digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals; a videomonitor attached to said video phone, said video monitor for selectivelydisplaying images from said imaging device, and for selectivelydisplaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier sectionfrom the other party of the telephone call; a video switch communicatingwith said transceiver radio module and said digital signal processor forswitching video images to be viewed on said video monitor, a user beingable to selectively display video images from the imaging device orvideo images received by the transceiver/amplifier section from theother party of the telephone call; and a power supply mounted to saidvideo telephone for providing power thereto.
 54. A device, as claimed inclaim 53, wherein: said pixels are CMOS pixels.
 55. A device, as claimedin claim 53, wherein: said transceiver radio element transmits by aBluetooth communications standard.
 56. A device, as claimed in claim 53,wherein: said transceiver radio element transmits by an IEEE 802.15.3communications standard.
 57. In a method for conducting video telephonecommunications with a video telephone, the improvement comprising thesteps of: providing a camera module having an image sensor housedtherein; removing the camera module from connection with the videotelephone; pointing the camera module at a targeted object andselectively taking video images of the targeted object; wirelesslytransmitting the video images taken by the image sensor to the videotelephone; processing the video images transmitted by the camera module;and selectively viewing the video images on the video telephone andselectively transmitting the video images to another party.
 58. Amethod, as claimed in claim 57, wherein: said image sensor includes aCMOS pixel array.
 59. In a wireless telephone for conducting wirelesstelephonic communications, the improvement comprising: a camera modulehousing an image sensor therein, said camera module for producing videoimages of a targeted object; means for wirelessly interconnecting saidcamera module to said wireless telephone, said means for wirelesslyinterconnecting enabling said camera module to be selectively displacedat a location remote from said wireless telephone; and a video monitorattached to said wireless phone for selectively viewing video imagestaken by said camera module, and for selectively viewing incoming videoimages transmitted by another party.
 60. A device, as claimed in claim59, wherein: said video telephone includes a housing, and an opening insaid housing for receiving said camera module so as to place said cameramodule in a stored position.
 61. In a video telephone for receiving andtransmitting audio and visual communications to include video signalstransmitted by the user of the video telephone, and video signalsreceived from the party to whom a call was made, the video telephoneincluding a housing, and a video monitor for selective viewing of thetransmitted and incoming video signals, the improvement comprising: acamera module housing an image sensor therein, said camera module forproducing video images of a targeted object; and means for wirelesslyinterconnecting said camera module to said wireless telephone, saidmeans for wirelessly interconnecting enabling said camera module to beselectively displaced at a location remote from said wireless telephone.62. A device, as claimed in claim 61, wherein: said video telephoneincludes a housing, and an opening in said housing for receiving saidcamera module so as to place said camera module in a stored position.63. In a video telephone for conducting communications includingreceiving and transmitting video images between two parties of a videotelephone call, the improvement comprising: a camera module housing animage sensor therein; a first circuitry means coupled to said imagesensor for timing and control of said image sensor; a second circuitrymeans communicating with said first circuitry means for processingimages taken by said image sensor to create video signals of a desiredvideo format; means for wirelessly interconnecting said camera module tosaid video telephone, said means for wirelessly interconnecting enablingsaid camera module to be selectively displaced from said video telephoneby the user enabling the camera module to be pointed at a targetedobject without having to manipulating the video telephone.
 64. A device,as claimed in claim 63, wherein: said video telephone includes ahousing, and an opening formed in said housing for receiving said cameramodule so as to place said camera module in a stored position.
 65. In avideo telephone for conducting communications including receiving andtransmitting video images between two parties of a video telephone call,the improvement comprising: a camera module housing an image sensortherein; a camera module battery housed within said camera module forproviding power to said camera module; a camera battery charge circuithoused within the video telephone; a telephone battery housed within thetelephone for providing power to said camera battery charge circuit; andwherein the camera module is received in the video telephone so saidcamera module battery electrically communicates with said camera batterycharge circuit to selectively charge said camera module battery.
 66. Amethod of powering and recharging a camera module for use with a videotelephone, said method comprising the steps of: providing a videotelephone housing a camera battery charge circuit therein; providing acamera module housing an image sensor therein for taking video images,and a camera module battery housed within said camera module forselectively powering said camera module; removing said camera modulefrom seated engagement with the video telephone resulting in activationof said camera module battery for powering said camera module; andreturning said camera module to its seated position with said videotelephone and in electrical communication with the battery chargecircuit to charge said camera module battery.